Clear for Takeoff 5K

Join Wausau Events for the 2026 Clear for Takeoff 5K! This year, Wausau Events has partnered with the local Never Forgotten Honor Flight to raise funds to send multiple veterans to see their memorials in Washington D.C. - the trip of a lifetime! We are so excited for this partnership!

This year's route will take runners through the airport grounds and Southeast Side Neighborhood. This event will start inside of the Elmwood Blvd. gate, and end inside of the airport grounds. Multiple planes will be on display during the race, along with military participation during the event! More information will be emailed to participants and posted on Facebook with a specific route map as we get closer to the event. Be prepared as the route is flat, fast and scenic! 

This race will be timed and each participant will receive a race t-shirt, pancake breakfast coupon and a runner packet! 

SCHEDULE:

• 8:00 AM Race Starts  -  Walkers/Strollers In Back Please. NO "Wheels", bikes, roller blades, scooters, etc. No Dogs Allowed.
• 9:30 AM Awards - There will be awards for the top participants in each age group. 

REGISTRATION: $35 pre-race registration! (credit card fees apply). Registration Deadline is May 31st to guarantee a t-shirt! Day-of registration will be $40 and a shirt is not guaranteed. Event will be full at 1,000 entries. 

PACKET PICK-UP: There will be no early packet pick-up for this year's event. All packets are available on race morning starting at 7 AM. 

COURSE: Runners will run through the airport grounds, part of the Southeast Side Neighborhood and then through the Wings Over Wausau event grounds. Planes will be visible and the route may change between pavement and gravel. Exact map coming soon.

AGE GROUPS: There will be Male & Female Age Groups. Awards will be given to the top overall male and female runners as well as the top 3 finishers in each age group and gender. Awards will be handed out around 9:30 AM. Your race number must be clearly visible in order to register a time.
Age Groups Defined:
-19 & under      -20-29       -30-39      -40-49      -50-59       -60 and above

PARKING: Parking is limited around the Airport. Please obey all no parking signs on the streets and respect our neighbors for this event.

WEATHER: The race will be ran rain or shine unless there is severe weather. There are no refunds due to race cancellation.